scope:

This paper presents an integrated IAQ/HVAC simulation environment that can model the impact of contaminant-based demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) strategies on both indoor air quality and HVAC system energy use for multizone buildings. The predictions of the integrated IAQ/HVAC simulation environment are first validated against experimental data obtained from laboratory testing. Then the simulation environment is used to investigate the performance of three ventilation control strategies, namely: one conventional control using fixed-position for outside air damper and two DCV strategies, including on/off control and proportional-integral- derivative (PID) control. In particular, a series of parametric analyses is conducted to determine the impact of selected design and operational features of DCV strategies on both indoor air quality and HVAC system energy use. The sensitivity analysis revealed that leakage from outside air dampers, use of a temperature economizers, selection of CO₂ sensors, tuning of PID controllers, and selection of CO₂ setpoints can have a significant impact on both indoor air quality and energy consumption of HVAC systems.